Early Sunday, Russian defense systems intercepted and destroyed all 38 drones launched by Ukraine at the Crimean Peninsula, according to Russia’s defense ministry. The statement came amidst social media reports from both Ukrainian and Russian users about significant explosions in the Crimean port city of Feodosia.
The ministry, via Telegram, did not report any resulting damage or injuries.
Earlier, Russian-appointed officials in Crimea announced considerable traffic restrictions near Feodosia. Additionally, they reported that traffic on the bridge connecting Crimea to the Russian mainland had been temporarily stopped but resumed around 0140 GMT.
Residents in Feodosia reportedly heard substantial blasts near the seaport and an oil depot at approximately 2 a.m. local time Sunday (2300 GMT Saturday). However, Reuters has not independently confirmed these explosion reports, and Ukrainian officials have not provided any comments at this time.
The Crimean Peninsula, annexed by Russia from Ukraine in 2014—a move widely denounced by international allies of Ukraine—along with the adjacent Black Sea, play a significant role in the ongoing conflict, which is now in its second year.
Increased Ukrainian drone attacks on Russian military sites in Crimea have reportedly inflicted damage on ships and naval facilities in Sevastopol and targeted other critical locations. Russia uses its Black Sea fleet to carry out long-range attacks on Ukraine.
President Volodymyr Zelensky of Ukraine has requested additional Western air defense systems to safeguard lives and has stated that Ukrainian forces have been effectively weakening Russia’s Black Sea military capabilities. He believes that with more support from allies, Ukraine could gain the upper hand in the conflict. Meanwhile, the Black Sea region remains strategically important for Russia’s President Vladimir Putin, not only in the context of the war but also as a gateway for influencing the Middle East and Europe.
